Thai Examiner
Failing foreign tourism sector at war over tourist levy and exactly who benefits from the billions raised
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Key facts
- Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun wants a ฿450 tourist levy with insurance
- Suphajee pushes ฿450 tourist levy towards Cabinet as officials prepare insurance and collection rules
- Hotel association challenges ฿7 billion healthcare debt figures used to justify new tourist charge
- Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is pushing ahead with Thailand’s proposed ฿450 tourist levy despite mounting opposition from hotel operators
- At the centre of the row is ฿7 billion in unpaid foreign medical bills, including debts involving migrant workers rather than tourists
- Yet serious accidents involving British holidaymakers have exposed another problem, with families raising over £150,000 to cover treatment and repatriation
Summary
### Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun wants a ฿450 tourist levy with insurance. THA President Thienprasith Chaiyapatranun questions ฿7bn in medical debts as injured visitors face huge bills. Insurance coverage is still unclear.
Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is pushing ahead with Thailand’s proposed ฿450 tourist levy despite mounting opposition from hotel operators. The government promises accident insurance and billions in tourism funding, but its justification is coming under fire. At the centre of the row is ฿7 billion in unpaid foreign medical bills, including debts involving migrant workers rather than tourists.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has reaffirmed her support for Thailand’s proposed ฿450 tourist levy over the weekend. However, growing resistance within the tourism industry is complicating the government’s plans.